What makes a will invalid in Texas?
When a will fails to meet Texas's legal requirements, the court may reject it during probate – leaving the state to distribute your assets instead of following your wishes. Texas sets specific standards for creating, signing and witnessing a will, and someone can also...
How independent administration works in Texas probate
Independent administration is a Texas probate process that gives an executor more freedom to handle estate tasks without asking the court for approval at every step. That can save time, lower costs and make it easier to collect property, pay debts and distribute...
How long does probate take in Texas?
Dealing with the legal system while grieving can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering how long it will take to settle your family member’s affairs and divide their assets. In Texas, the probate process is designed to be efficient, but the timeline looks different...
Are IRAs and 401(k) accounts included in probate?
When a family member passes away, retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s often represent a portion of their estate. Many families assume these accounts are distributed according to a will, but federal law treats them differently from other assets. Knowing...
5 qualities to look for in a trustworthy Texas executor
Selecting an individual to serve as your executor represents a significant decision for any Texas resident. This person manages your property, satisfies your outstanding debts and guides your family through the Texas probate process. While some people may choose a...
How can a personal representative find estate heirs?
Some personal representatives or executors have a very simple process ahead of them. The deceased individual created a thorough estate plan that identifies their chosen beneficiaries. They provided the names of the people who should inherit their assets. Other times,...
When does an estate owe income taxes?
Taxes are among the financial obligations people must address during the probate process. Certain tax obligations require payment using estate resources. If an estate is large enough for estate taxes to apply, then the personal representative or executor should retain...
What happens if a person has debt when they die?
The majority of adults in the United States have some form of debt. This can be because they needed extensive medical care, got a mortgage to buy a home, took out a loan for a car or made purchases on a credit card. One question that some people don’t think of is what...
What are the most common reasons for will contests?
Not everyone accepts the contents of a will after the person has passed away. In some cases, individuals may challenge the will in court. These legal disputes, commonly referred to as will contests, often revolve around whether the document is valid and whether the...
How are debts handled when a person passes away?
Some people assume that a person’s debts vanish if the account holder passes away, but that’s not how it works. Instead, it’s possible that the estate of the decedent will have to pay for the debts. The estate administrator is responsible for handling those payments. ...
